An Ottoman money-changer's chest, Turkey, 18th century

of rectangular form standing on four short feet, the hinged lid with a key lock and a star-shaped securing mechanism, the interior with a large central drawer flanked by four small lateral drawers and surmounted by two long upper drawers, each with a metal handle, the interior painted throughout with floral and vegetal designs, the borders with stylised split-palmette patterns, the exterior with traces of original decoration ensuite

In good overall condition. Loss of the vast majority of exterior decoration. Minor nicks throughout, especially to the corners. The key included in the interior. Two tacks loose, included in the interior. Minor signs of rusting to the hinges and locking mechanism. AS viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Already by the 15th century AD, sarraf or professional money-changers were prominent in all major Ottoman cities, where the wide use of gold, silver and copper coins made them an essential part of daily economic activity. Certain money-changers were also able to act as creditors and even back tax-farming exercises, allowing them to become important players in political and economic enterprise (The Ottoman Empire, Bogdan Murgescu and Halil Berktay (eds.), Thessaloniki, 2009, p.95).

The shape, hinges, locking mechanism and interior decoration of the present money-changer's chest find very close stylistic parallels in an example now at the Türk ve İslâm Eserleri Müzesi in Istanbul (see Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Daniş Baykan (ed.), Istanbul, 2002, p.315).